7 Macho Mistakes: Why Being a Macho, Macho Man Is Bad for Your Health

Though perceptions of gender have certainly evolved over the years, there's still a stereotype that "real men" shouldn't show weakness or vulnerability. Even in 2013, many men feel pressure to be macho. Certain ideals of manliness or masculinity influence men to act or think a certain way. Unfortunately, this "macho" attitude, while perceived as cool, can often be detrimental to overall men's health.

"I have seen the word 'macho' defined as 'exhibiting pride in characteristics believed to be masculine, such as physical strength or sexual appetite,' " said Scott Gottlieb, MD, director of Pain Medicine at Manhattan's New York Eye and Ear Infirmary. "It can also be defined as a personal sense of virility. Some might feel a sense of invincibility or can't believe that they could be affected by any significant health problem. This, of course, is a mistake."

A macho attitude can lead to problems, Gottlieb said — and there are better, but still manly, ways of living life to the max. Here, a look at some common macho mistakes and how or why they're harmful to your health.

Real Men Can Handle Their Booze

Macho Mistake No. 1: A guy who can’t handle his liquor should have his macho card revoked.

This unfortunate attitude might be part of the reason why men have more than four times as many binge drinking episodes per year as women (12.5 vs. 2.7), according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Binge drinking leads to all kinds of men’s health problems, including heart disease, liver failure, mental health issues, and even an increased risk of cancer.

If you want to preserve your masculinity, limit yourself to two drinks a day, max. This is the amount that seems to offer benefit to longevity, overall well-being, and cardiovascular health.

Real Men Drive Fast

Macho Mistake No. 2: The macho man gets where he needs to go in a hurry.

Mix speeding cars with the macho perception of alcohol, and it can be a deadly combination. According to the CDC, male drivers involved in fatal crashes are twice as likely to be intoxicated as women are.

For men's health, this one is a no-brainer. You exude a lot more manliness alive than you do dead, so don't drink and drive, and when you do drive, obey the traffic laws.

Real Men Don't Get Sick

Macho Mistake No. 3: Going to the doctor is for sissies.

Believe it or not, scientists in Wisconsin actually studied this macho man phenomenon and found that men who had strong beliefs about masculinity were half as likely to go to the doctor to receive preventive care as their counterparts with more moderate beliefs about masculinity. The researchers speculate that this might have an impact on the overall lifespan of men.

"Health problems, when not detected early, can sometimes spin out of control, and by the time they are diagnosed and treated, could change the way you live for the rest of your life," said Adam D. Schaffner, MD, a clinical assistant professor at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York City.

For optimum men's health, Dr. Schaffner said, men 40 years of age or older should see their doctor once a year for a physical, their dentist twice a year for checkups, and their dermatologist once a year for a full-body skin check.

Real Men Are Never Vulnerable

Macho Mistake No. 4: Manly men bite the bullet about pain, even if it's detrimental to their health.

This can apply not only to physical pain, but to emotional pain as well, explained Michael Addis, PhD, professor of psychology at Clark University in Worcester, Mass. "Emotional stoicism can lead men to ignore signs of depression, anxiety, or other signs that all may not be well in life," he said. "Extreme self-reliance can lead men to keep all of their problems to themselves; as a result, they may not get beneficial help from friends, family, or health care professionals."

This can be difficult behavior to change, Addis added, but it's essential to break through that outdated concept of manliness to protect your health.

Real Men Don't Eat Vegetables

Macho Mistake No. 5: Red meat. Potatoes. Butter. These are the staples of the macho man diet. Get that green stuff out of here!

Research shows that women outlive men worldwide by an average of 5 to 10 years. And while this link is difficult to make in studies, scientists at the New England Centenarian Study at Boston University School of Medicine suggest that a man's diet might be one of the reasons for this great divide.

Schaffner said the facts are simple to understand. "Foods that are high in fat and cholesterol can clog arteries and contribute to strokes and heart attacks," he said. "Having wings, pizza, and beer once in a while won't kill you. But having it every other day may." To shape up your diet for better men's health, cut back on the burgers and steaks, and add 5 to 9 servings of fruits and vegetables every day.

Real Men Are a Turn-on for Others

Macho Mistake No. 6: Sex is a prerequisite for the macho man. And for true manliness to be achieved, the more partners, the better.

Sex is great. In fact, it's a key part of a healthy lifestyle. But more partners equal more risks. Men have a 5.5 times higher rate of syphilis than women and account for 75 percent of new HIV/AIDS cases, according to statistics from Avert, an international HIV/AIDS charity.

"If you don't want these [diseases], be smart. Have safe sex, and wear a condom every time," Schaffner said. A condom won't protect you 100 percent of the time from 100 percent of sexually transmitted infections, but it's 100 percent better than nothing.

Real Men Work Out Hard

Macho Mistake No. 7: When it comes to the macho man's workout, go hard or go home. Wimps need not apply to the manliness club.

Unfortunately, this ideal of masculinity is likely to lead to stress, strain, and all kinds of other injuries. "In the workout and fitness realm, we see macho habits take their toll on health," said Mark Allen, author of Fit Soul, Fit Body: 9 Keys to a Healthier, Happier You. "These include pushing through the pain, always choosing fast over slow-and-steady, and not resting enough. These types [of exercisers] get fatigued and unmotivated faster than people who figure out a way to have a more balanced approach to getting strong, lean, and fit."

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